Can one really die of ‘bangungot’?

We may have heard of it through circulated emails or online news: A young man, just starting a career for himself, described to be full of life and kind-hearted, suddenly dies in his sleep. How can someone so young and seemingly healthy pass on, without being given the chance to live his life to the fullest?

Underlying such unexplained and unfortunate reality is the baffling question of the possibility of dyingin one’s sleep. Urban legends have been passed around through the years linking such cases to nightmares or “bangungot.” But in today’s world of advanced scientific and medical discoveries, such questions remain: Is it really possible to die of nightmares? Are all sudden unexpected deaths caused by “bangungot”?

These questions will be answered at the upcoming symposium to be held at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center entitled “Solving the Mystery of Sudden Unexpected Death: Brugada Syndrome” slated on December 4, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Conference Facility Unit of the hospital.

At the symposium to be held in cooperation with UCSF Medical Center, discussion will focus on “Brugada Syndrome”, a heart rhythm disorder that could sometimes lead to sudden death.In some instances, it can show itself through a “Brugada sign,” as noted on a routine electrocardiogram. This condition is frequently an inherited condition.

“Through the years people have speculated on the real causes of sudden death in sleep. Through this talk, we would be able to shed a little light on the “real” cause, a potentially lethal abnormal heart rhythm,” said Dr. Benjamin G. Luna, Jr., Section Head of Cardiology of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Providing their expertise on the subject are Dr. Giselle Gervacio, an electrophysiologist who has written a paper on Brugada Syndrome’s prevalence among Filipinos; and Dr. Byron K. Lee, also an electrophysiologist from the UCSF Medical Center, who will be delving deeper on the causes, risk factors and prevention and treatment of this condition.

To be part of this interesting discussion, pre-register now by calling the Marketing Department at 771-9000 to 02 locals 8066 or 8073 or 876-5826.You can also send an email to marketing@asianhospital.com. For more information, visit www.asianhospital.com.